The clock is ticking on a government promise to bring a catastrophic drug plan to New Brunswick, as bills mount for people who require expensive prescription drugs.
Maryann Moore has long campaigned for a catastrophic drug program in the province.
The Sussex resident has greater mobility than she has had in years, thanks to a new drug she takes for multiple sclerosis.
The drug costs her $600 each month. She says she worries about others who have to shell out thousands of dollars for prescription medications.
“I don’t know how they grapple with that, because that is selling your house, and where do you go? And in some cases splitting your marriage up. It’s a huge, huge thing and it shouldn’t be, but it is.”
Saint John business owner Terry Crowe has a severe form of arthritis. His drugs cost him about $1,800 a month.
He says more New Brunswickers should be demanding a catastrophic drug plan.
“They really lose the essence of what a catastrophe that a major expense in a life can be,” says Crowe. “They only look at it as if this is a benefit for poor people. No, this is a benefit for your average citizen, middle-class citizen, to stay out of the poor house.”
The lack of a catastrophic drug program is an issue that has dogged governments, both Conservative and Liberal, for years.
The Alward government has promised a plan sometime during this mandate, but it could still be months away.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
